China's National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) published a notice on 27 October proposing to approve 29 national geographical indication (GI) protection demonstration zones, led by Chadian Muscat Hamburg grapes, with public comment open from 27 October to 2 November. The list follows the trial measures on GI product protection demonstration zones and went through self-assessment, provincial evaluation and an overall review. Objections can be raised with CNIPA by phone, fax or email during the notice period, with the objector's name given.
Which products are covered
The 29 zones are spread across 22 provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions, from Tianjin and Shanghai to Guangxi, Ningxia and Xinjiang, each run by the local government. Most cover farm produce and food, with one traditional craft, for example:
- Tea: Xinyang Maojian, Chibi green brick tea, Yingde black tea and Qionglai dark tea.
- Alcohol: Laolongkou baijiu, Huzhu highland barley liquor and wine from the eastern foothills of the Helan Mountains.
- Fruit, grain and oil: Chadian grapes, Changshan huyou citrus, Zigui navel oranges, Meixian kiwifruit, Aksu apples, Songjiang rice, Yutai rice and Gannan camellia oil.
- Speciality foods: Zhenjiang vinegar, Liuzhou luosifen (river snail rice noodles), Dongpo pickles, Pingyao beef and Baoshan arabica coffee.
- Traditional craft: Huanggang wicker weaving.
The list also includes Raohe black bees, Xinghua spring onions, Dachen yellow croaker, Qingyuan shiitake mushrooms and Pingyin roses, plus 3 zones named after places: Chongming in Shanghai, Yunxiao in Fujian and Gangu in Gansu.
Not the same as the 22 October list
This notice concerns zones that have completed their construction period and passed acceptance; it is different from the 2026 list of zones starting construction published by the CNIPA General Office on 22 October (Guozhibanhanbaozi [2026] No. 922), which begin a 3-year construction period running from October 2026 to October 2029.
Source: www.cnipa.gov.cn | www.cnipa.gov.cn
